LS MT357HC Compact Tractor 50 hour review and maintenance

[@braddsn]

I have the same exact tractor. I have 22 hours on mine so far and love it. I did want to point out something. Before I bought this tractor, I had researched a lot, and already knew of the tires hitting the loader bracket when steering. So I checked mine when I got it, and it did the same thing. I adjusted the steering stops, and it fixed it.... only took me 5 minutes. However... I found something interesting. In the loader manual, it clearly states that when a loader is mounted to the tractor, the factory steering stops MUST be adjusted out so that the tires have a certain clearance (I can't remember how many mm) at full steer and articulation. In my opinion, the dealers should take care of this when the loaders are mounted. I say this because, im sure there are a lot of tractor owners that maybe aren't as mechanically inclined, and they may not be out on the internet enough to have heard of this issue. So in defense of LS, it's not their fault... it's right there in the manual. The 3 point top link hitting the triangle, yeah that is strange. But it's a non issue for me, I haven't used a triangle in 20 years. I just use the hazard lights when on the road. Never a problem. I am coming from a Kioti DK40HST that I had for 10 years, and have high hopes for the LS. I run a sawmill on the side so I really use my tractors. Fingers crossed, so far I am loving it!

[@braddsn]

Oh and I will add 1 more thing. If you haven't already done so, DO the beet juice! You will love it. My Kioti had wiper fluid in it, and with the same R4 tires I used it HARD in the woods, logging, etc for 10 years and never got a flat. You will be hard pressed to puncture an R4. Lifting heavy logs, I immediately noticed the difference in weight in the beet juice vs the wiper fluid. The rear tire size is the same between my old Kioti and the new LS, but the LS is way more stable. There is a noticeable difference in weight. Beat juice is the answer, in my opinion.

[@byloacres1375]

Yes sir I agree the dealer should have caught it.

[@byloacres1375]

Beet juice is definitely next on my list.

[@taterdave3394]

Nice Tractor, I have a 2018 XR 4150 HC I have 560 hrs on it with no problems ever.

[@byloacres1375]

Awesome! I am glad to hear that.

[@Whoppels]

Got about 35 hours on mine so far! I have also been looking into ballast for the tires. Called a local shop that could do the beet juice, said it would be about $650 for both rear tires. Then they asked if I was expecting any punctures and I said I use the tractor in the woods often. He recommended I not do the beet juice thing, said it makes an ungodly stinky mess if you get a pop, and the consistency is like slurpy, so it's hard to deal with. I'm leaning towards water mixed with methanol or calcium chloride now.

[@byloacres1375]

That makes sense what you are saying about the beet Juice. What I read was the beet juice weighs 11lbs per gallon and the methanol weighs 7.5lbs per gallon. That’s what drew me to the beet juice. Do you know how many gallons one of our back tires will hold?

[@Whoppels]

@@byloacres1375 We figured about 38 gallons a tire.

[@brandonpalmer4861]

Looking to get this exact tractor. Thank you for pointing out the "problem points". What grapple did you buy for your tractor?

[@byloacres1375]

Im tossing around the idea of selling mine if you would be interested. I bought an off brand grapple here local. I don’t recall the brand but it’s a brush grapple style.

[@sammydogg05]

Is there going to be a 100hr review?

[@byloacres1375]

Unfortunately I sold the tractor before I reached 100 hours.

[@RLoose9494]

After my 6 month long issues of LS lack of diagnostic issues and just replacing part after part and still it’s not fixed. LS has the WORST customer support I have ever experienced buyer beware. My tractor is a XR 3037C good tractor when it ran Emissions issues they cannot fix!

[@byloacres1375]

That’s my biggest lesson in business, buy a machine that has good dealer support. We sold the LS awhile ago and now run all Bobcat equipment.